Online Distance Education

East Carolina University has been a leader in distance education in North Carolina for sixty years. In the years since the inception of its first distance education program, the university has expanded both its offerings as well as the areas that it serves. ECU recognized the potential of online learning early, and was one of the first universities in the nation to develop and offer a degree entirely over the Internet. Since then, ECU has worked to offer more than sixty degrees and certificate programs online, in fields such as education, business, health care, and technology, among others.

East Carolina University’s online distance education degree programs allow students to access their coursework twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Online courses are taught by the same faculty that teach on-campus courses, and the level of coursework, required readings, and examinations are the same for online courses as there are for their on-campus counterparts. Programs are designed with the student in mind, and the instruction is focused on active participation and academic success.

Distance Education Students

Online learning is ideal for a number of people, particularly those that are concerned about balancing the rigors of an academic workload with full-time employment or family obligations. East Carolina University offers a number of its degree and certificate programs online, making them accessible to individuals who might otherwise have difficulty with pursuing additional education.

In addition to increased skill and comfort with technology and online delivery of information, a distance education student also strengthens their self-discipline, organization, and time management skills. The format is ideal for allowing students independence in pursuit of their education, while simultaneously providing the guidance and mentorship that are traditionally associated with on-campus instruction. Though convenience and flexibility are emphasized with distance education coursework, the same amount of effort and participation are required from both student and instructor as are required for face-to-face courses.

Online courses are typically delivered using course management systems such as Blackboard, Moodle, or Sakai. These formats have been selected due to their ease of use for both student and instructor, and they have been used extensively for delivery of distance education coursework. In an online course, students and instructors communicate via text-based discussion forums, where students can access their coursework as well as read and respond to information presented by the instructor. Some courses include real-time electronic discussions that take place at a scheduled time, with students engaging their peers and instructor in conversation about course material.

Assignments and homework are submitted electronically via e-mail or the class web site, usually on a weekly basis, with all necessary materials made available via folders within the course management system. When administered electronically, examinations are taken by students during a prescribed timeframe, using a proctor when necessary.

As with on-campus sections, information such as syllabus and schedule of assignments are made available to students within the first few days of the semester for online courses.

Full-time campus students that elect to add distance education course(s) to their schedule will incur additional tuition and fees for such coursework, in addition to their regular on-campus tuition. Graduate rates will apply to those students that are admitted to East Carolina University as non-degree seeking graduate students or those students that are pursuing graduate degrees or certificates of advanced study.

Online Degree and Certificate Programs

Undergraduate Degree-Completion Programs *

Business Education (BSBE)

Birth through Kindergarten Teacher Education (BS)

Communication (Media Studies Concentration) (BS)

Education

Education (BS)

Middle Grades (BS)

Special Education (BS)

Finance (BSBA)

Health Information Management (BS)

Health Services Management (BS)

Hospitality Management (BS)

Industrial Technology (BS)

Bioprocess Manufacturing

Industrial Distribution and Logistics

Industrial Supervision

Information and Computer Technology

Manufacturing Systems

Information Technologies (BSBE)

Nursing (RN to BSN)

* Allow students with college credit to complete the last half of the degree via distance education.